places to go in melbourne's west
So much to do, so many places to go! Everything is covered here in Mamma Knows West's 'places to go' - take your time and have a browse through some of these fab options - you'll find heaps of inspiration plus a handy map, making it easier to uncover something new for you and the crew to enjoy.
you can search here for places to go in Melbourne's West by your suburb or playground here or browse away
Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zooi s a great experience.
If you've been thinking of taking the kids fishing but a bit afraid of what that might entail...well Mamma's got your answer. An hour and a half out of Melbourne is Tuki Trout Farm - this place is picturesque, peaceful and absolutely guarantees you a fresh fish catch.
Mamma says you cannot go to Daylesford or Hepburn Springs without tasting the nectar of the earth - the mineral spring water. Central Springs Reserve is nestled next to the Daylesford Lake and the site of the old swimming pool and my my my it is pretty.
They do things so well at Sovereign Hill from the authentic looking town complete with horse and carts, soundscapes to the shows and activities - it's quite surreal wandering around.
As soon as you step into this magical place you could be forgiven for thinking you've somehow stumbled into the European countryside - minus the $$$ airfares of course! Mamma has loved this place for many years and the love affair is still gong strong.
This is a fantastic place for the little ones to get close to the animals and learn about their environment..
Sunset Safari at Werribee Open Range Zooi s a great experience.
If you've been thinking of taking the kids fishing but a bit afraid of what that might entail...well Mamma's got your answer. An hour and a half out of Melbourne is Tuki Trout Farm - this place is picturesque, peaceful and absolutely guarantees you a fresh fish catch.
Mamma says you cannot go to Daylesford or Hepburn Springs without tasting the nectar of the earth - the mineral spring water. Central Springs Reserve is nestled next to the Daylesford Lake and the site of the old swimming pool and my my my it is pretty.
They do things so well at Sovereign Hill from the authentic looking town complete with horse and carts, soundscapes to the shows and activities - it's quite surreal wandering around.
As soon as you step into this magical place you could be forgiven for thinking you've somehow stumbled into the European countryside - minus the $$$ airfares of course! Mamma has loved this place for many years and the love affair is still gong strong.
This is a fantastic place for the little ones to get close to the animals and learn about their environment..
Come along on the Dino Martino Fridays (and upcoming Sundays) for an Italian feast and be greeted by friendly faces who run the club - you are sure to get a warm Italian welcome by the lovely volunteers who run the space. Or come along to the many events they have throughout the year.
This is the best way to go to the theatre with the little ones - a good old fashioned Pantomime. Little Red Riding Hood is a good old fave and at $8 a ticket - it is BARGAIN FUN!
This surf park is incredible, seeing the huge expanse of clear, light blue water is stunning, amazing, beautiful…and a bit intimidating! You know that this is a playground for real surfers - but that doesn’t mean beginners aren’t welcome.
Big, bright and a bundle of fun! This is a new and very cool play centre concept.
Wow. This is hands down the coolest place to hang out this summer…and ALL YEAR!
What a magical and truly unique family experience! The Hanging Rock Llama treks is wonderful.
Turn up, suit up, buckle up and ZOOM UP at the brand new Ifly in Melbourne! This state of the art set up opened its doors recently and Mamma just had to give it a go!
This immersive 3D art gallery is a fantastic experience and has re-opened with a brand new series of interactive artworks. Get the family and get creative!
There is always something interesting happening at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre!
You gotta BOUNCE baby! Bounce Inc in Essendon Fields is a HUGE trampoline park and it is home to the Super Tramp and giant 5m x 5m trampoline - perfect for learning those new tricks and jumps!
This gold mine themed course is so much fun, with 18 easy holes to manoeuvre your little ball into. It’s great for the littlies as it’s all close together and not too many obstacles on the greens. There are two courses here - outdoor and the spookier but really cool Lost Worlds themed course indoors so chose your own adventure.
A fantastic space for the Arts and a magnificent venue for events, the Substation is a cultural hub attracting some big name international performers as well as local artists.
Tucked in the back of Champion Road in Newport is this fabulous shop and indoor scooter and skate park!
The new light and sound show launched in March this year and it is SPECTACULAR!
The Victorian Goldfields Railway is such a great family outing, to experience the joy of riding in an old steam train and getting a glimpse into life in another time. Hop on to the train at either Maldon or Castlemaine and coast along for about 45-50 minutes through lovely bushland and along trails.
Sunday is FUNDAY at the footy. Heading into watch your favourite team play gets all super family friendly on Sundays at the MCG and Marvel Stadium. This program and relaxed game day festivities, is an ideal way to introduce your pipsqueaks to the great game and Aussie tradition.
Here at the Seaworks Maritime Museum, some of that history has been preserved so that our generation get to appreciate it. There are plenty of amazing artefacts, and ship models to see - but the most interesting thing are the tales that the men who run this museum tell.
For outdoor adventure lovers, this place has it all. The beauty of this area is stunning with those huge rocks, breathtaking views and lovely bushland.
Mamma LOVES a hedge maze, there is just something magical and mysterious about them. And kids of all ages seem to love getting lost in the never ending pathways.
How cute is this! Mamma has found the perfect little spot to have a shopping break at Highpoint!
Mamma thinks this is more like a massive waterpark than just a swim centre, and the perfect place to dive in for some indoor aquatic FUN! With a 50 metre pool, learn to swim pool, warm water pool for exercise, toddlers pool, spa and sauna, two massive 12.5 metre high water slide, a water adventure park and a kids splash pad (phew!), you’re going to have a hard time getting the kids to leave!
Strawberry fields forever! Well, until the end of the season anyway! Mamma and co love hunting in these fields of joy for the perfect strawberry - and there are plenty!
The Hoyts at The District Docklands has only recently just opened and it is a little different from the usual kind of cinema. Firstly, every single seat in the entire 8 cinema complex is a powered recliner! Ahhhhh! So good! It really is a touch of luxury to get you fully in the mood to relax and enjoy yourself.
When you go through as many blueberries as Mamma’s family, seeing row upon row of these little delicious gems is a sight to see! Otway Blueberries has been around since the 90’s and they provide blueberries all around the Otways and surf coast. You can, of course, pick your own stash here though too - and Mamma sure does LOVE pickin’!!
You are enveloped in large lush ferns and gorgeous forest greenery on the way, and you can stop and do some rock hopping near the river too - if you are lucky you may even see a platypus! Mamma says take a deep breath while you are here and fill your lungs with the beautiful fresh air. This is a truly lovely place.
The tower was opened about 20 years ago and was actually an arts project, and is dubbed a monument for ‘Migration and Aspirations’- Mamma has to say - it’s a lovely tower! You can see all around the wetlands from this vantage point and have a great view of the city as well.
The Melbourne Star is open late throughout the warmer months and it is a great opportunity to see Melbourne at sunset.
This is the best way to go to the theatre with the little ones - a good old fashioned Pantomime. Little Red Riding Hood is a good old fave and at $8 a ticket - it is BARGAIN FUN!
This is the best way to go to the theatre with the little ones - a good old fashioned Pantomime. Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood is a fantastic option and at only $8 a ticket and absolute bargain!
Open Tuesdays and Saturdays and FIRST SUNDAY of the month for devonshire tea.
Next time you visit Logan Reserve in Altona take a trip back in time and step inside the Altona Homestead. It has lot's of history about the house, the times as well as Altona - with rooms filled with gorgeous old furniture from the 30's, old farm equipment and artefacts.
On the first Sunday of the Month. Love a tuned Mustang? Or how about polished up Monaro? The Men's Shed of Altona put on a mini car show on the first Sunday of every month at their home on Queen Street Altona. It's grass roots simple, Car Torque is all about cars plus a bit of a BBQ and it really doesn't need to be anything else.
Have you heard of Puffing Jilly? No? Well, be sure to come and meet her and all of her convoy this month at the Altona Miniature Railway!
Mamma simply adores this play centre especially for her little toddler. With a three story play gym, a toddler and an infant area, this play centre caters for all ages.
Inflatable World is 'jaw dropping' WOW as soon as you enter the building. There is more jumping, sliding, sticking, jousting, running and bouncing than you could even imagine.
The Footscray Rotary Club's Community Bike Shed project aims to provide wheels to the needy and Mamma is sure it is doing much much more for our Community.
Looking for outdoor summer fun that doesn't cost the earth and is all in the one 'hassle free' spot? Mamma has found it!
This is a fantastic place for the little ones to get close to the animals and learn about their environment..
This is an impressive building with a broad variety of community events and activities. Keep an eye out for their school holiday programs as well as craft, art, and other classes.
In the 'spirit of renewal' Hobsons Bay City Council has rescued this former post office building from near dilapidation. With the support of the wider Laverton community, the resulting transformation is a shop front space ripe and ready for artists, workshops, classes and exhibitions.
The Queens Park Outdoor Pools should be high on your family 'to check out list' this summer. With a 50m solar heated pool, a 20m junior pool, a shaded kiddlet pool and plenty of shaded grassy areas scattered about the large complex - this place will excite everyone in your entourage.
A fantastic space for the Arts and a magnificent venue for events, the Substation is a cultural hub attracting some big name international performers as well as local artists.
Well let Mamma tell you, this place was built for FUN. And not just fun for the kids, this is fun for the WHOLE family
The train is a coming oh yeah! For Mamma and the crew the thought of a train in a play centre was a bit of a drawcard! It's free with your entry and something a little different from the usual play centre norm. The $5.00 dollar flat rate on weekdays is pretty good value too.
You'd be forgiven for thinking that the RAAF base in Point Cook was strictly off limits to us regular folk, but in fact we are all welcome to pop in and view the amazing museum they have created. Mamma says this is a great place to learn about Australian aviation history
This little boat is a hard working vessel ferrying passengers from Spotswood Jetty to Westgate Landing in Port Melbourne across the bay under the Westgate Bridge. Mamma and the fam just like going over and back for a little joy ride on weekends - It's a bit of a novelty for the kids going UNDER the bridge instead of over it
Scienceworks is a great icon of the west and everyone in your fam from babe to Gran will find something to delight them.
Splish, splash, splosh!! If you need a fun way to get coo then Mamma says head to this outdoor kids splash park. Part of the Sunshine Leisure Centre - the outdoor splash park has water cascading from shooting fountains, sploshing water buckets, spray tunnel and bubbling jets of cool refreshing water!
1 hour sails on the tall ship Enterprize - from Williamstown are happening this weekend.
Saturdays 12-5pm. This Museum has a rich history of Australian trains on display, plus a fantastic vintage model railway. Locomotives come here to retire and there are some real beauties to admire. There is plenty of space for kiddos to run around too and you can have kids parties there too!
Got some kiddos with a little too much energy in the afternoon? Or perhaps your little babe needs a something else to clamber up instead of your furniture? Rest assured, Tumbles throw a wide net when it comes to pleasing the masses.
Inflatable World is a magical world full of more jumping, sliding, sticking, jousting, running and bouncing than you can poke a stick at!
What a fantastic family destination and all in the wonderful West! Even before the Kiddos came along a visit here was a must and now we pop in as often as we can. The open safari bus tour is always a highlight, spotting new animals every time and the self guided walking tours are a great way to enjoy your surroundings at your own pace.
Visit Wyndham Harbour this Sunday (Sep 25th) from 11am to 4pm for Free Family Fun Day! Live music, Water Sports, Movie Screenings, Food Trucks and lots more!
If your kids are bouncing off the walls and it's cold or raining outside then this is the place for you. Trust Mamma when she says the Kidz Playshak has got everything your family will need to let off some of that steam and then some.